Celina Symmonds accepts the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
In recognition of her contributions to the community of Medicine Hat, Celina Symmonds was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal was awarded Tuesday evening at a small ceremony hosted at the Cypress Club by Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright, who opened the ceremony by commenting that when he was asked if there was anyone he knew who might be deserving, there was a clear answer.
“They’re a medal that is dedicated to those who have spent their lives bettering the community around them, not so much worried about leaving a legacy of themselves, but rather a legacy of a better community,” said Wright. “When asked if there was anybody that I could think of that I could recommend for this award, there was absolutely no one else that came to mind besides Celina.”
Symmonds has touched many areas of the city, from serving as a city councillor, a school board trustee and as the executive director who had been overseeing the creation of the current iteration of the Root Cellar, before taking on her current position as executive director of Medicine Hat Family Services.
Described as a “tidal wave washing over the community,” Wright thanked Symmonds for her ongoing support of the community and her continued attitude of making the impossible possible when it comes to improving the lives of the people who call it home.
“I still remember the first real moment where it was like you experienced the impact of somebody that’s coming into your life that is truly, truly amazing,” said Wright. He continued on to explain that right after Canadian Mental Health Southeast Alberta had closed, he was unsure of what direction to take, but when his office got in contact with Symmonds, he felt a wave of calm, knowing it was going to be figured out.
“This horrible thing has happened, but right off the hop, we had somebody in mind that the minute they got involved, that overwhelming feeling was gone, because there was somebody who knew the where, when and how to fix this, or at least start the process,” said Wright.
Symmonds spoke through great emotion as she expressed her gratitude for the award and the recognition of her efforts.
“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so thankful that Justin chose to nominate me, and I’ve just really appreciated the relationship being able to go and get support, and for him to support the community events that I’ve been a part of,” said Symmonds. “I’m super grateful for my community and grateful to be a part of a community that cares so much, and I’m honoured to be part of that.”
